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CUNY Modifies Palestinian Studies Job Postings Following Governor’s Intervention
The City University of New York, commonly known as CUNY, has recently reposted revised job listings for Palestinian Studies at Hunter College. This shift comes after an order from Governor Kathy Hochul forced the university to remove an earlier posting.
According to reports, the initial job listing was taken down following the Governor’s concerns that the position could encourage antisemitism in educational settings. Governor Hochul, a member of the Democratic Party, expressed that the language of the job description was problematic.
Part of the original listing sought a scholar who would critically examine a range of pertinent issues related to Palestine. These included topics such as settler colonialism, genocide, human rights, apartheid, and health.
CUNY’s Chancellor, Felix Matos, alongside the Board of Trustees Chairperson, William Thompson, issued a joint statement acknowledging the Governor’s decision. They articulated their agreement with Hochul, describing the original posting’s language as divisive and polarizing.
Chancellor Matos and Chairperson Thompson highlighted their commitment to battling antisemitism on college campuses and stated that CUNY would continue to collaborate with the Governor and other stakeholders in combating hate.
In response to the controversy, the university announced plans in March to revise the job position. Their goal was to address the concerns raised about the original posting’s wording.
Recently, CUNY introduced a new advertisement for two professorships in Palestinian Studies. This updated posting has notably altered its description, omitting references to genocide and settler colonialism.
The revised job listing articulates a desire for historically aware candidates who adopt a critical lens on issues surrounding Palestine. It emphasizes interest in public-facing work and a commitment to the college’s ethos as a diverse institution serving a majority-minority undergraduate population.
Professionals filling these roles are expected to commence their duties in the fall. The positions will be housed within the Social Sciences and Humanities divisions, with salaries ranging from $82,928 to $141,858 depending on experience and professorial rank.
A spokesperson for Hunter College confirmed that the reposted positions aim to address long-standing gaps in the curriculum and enhance faculty expertise.
In addition to the controversies stirring around the Palestinian Studies program, CUNY institutions have faced criticism for their handling of campus protests linked to the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. In light of this, Governor Hochul initiated an independent review of the university’s policies regarding antisemitism shortly after an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
The findings from this review were published in September. They revealed that existing policies to combat antisemitism across CUNY campuses need substantial updates to effectively address the issues at hand.
CUNY has previously encountered allegations of promoting antisemitic sentiments, with accusations surfacing as early as 2022. At that time, a resolution supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement received backing from CUNY schools.
Persistent Concerns About Antisemitism
Controversies surrounding CUNY’s approach to antisemitism have continued to gain attention throughout the last year. Various Jewish groups and their allies have expressed deep concerns about the university’s policies. They have called for accountability and reform in the university’s actions.
As protests took place on campuses, the university faced pressure to navigate these complex dynamics carefully. Governor Hochul’s order to alter the job posting reflects a broader societal discourse surrounding academic freedom, hate speech, and institutional responsibility.
Looking Ahead
As the academic year progresses, CUNY’s management of Palestinian Studies and broader antisemitism policies will be closely monitored. The outcomes of the revisions to job postings and the initiatives aimed at bridging gaps in the curriculum may set a precedent for how universities nationwide approach similar contentious issues.
Both the community at CUNY and the surrounding public will likely continue engaging in discussions about the impact of educational settings on social issues. Keeping the dialogue open and promoting diverse viewpoints while ensuring a respectful environment will be critical.
The complexities involved in balancing academic freedom with the need to address discrimination underscore the significance of these changes at CUNY. Monitoring the effectiveness of these revised efforts will be crucial for the institution’s future trajectory.
